Has anyone ever taken a dog to the Bahamas? I have the permit and it says that the dog must be accompanied by a Veternary Health Certificate issued within 48 hours of importation by a licensed Veternarian in the country of origin. I will be on a sailboat. I plan to take more than 48 hours to get there.
It also says that the dog needs to be presented to a licensed vet within 48 hours of arrival. Does this mean that I will have to get two vets to look at this dog? I have heard that customs can be tricky in Nassau. Any experiences?

Two years ago (things may have changed) I went with my son and daughter in law with their dog to Bahamas. They got a vet certificate in Fl. before we left and we landed at West End. The dog was on deck (plainly visible-big dog) and when my son went with the customs officer into the customs office (after helped tie us up at the customs dock) they never even asked about the dog. They sailed around for several months and no one ever asked or said anything. I don't know how it would go in Nassau but I don't think I would go that far without clearing into the country, especially if you have heard they are difficult regarding dogs there.

You need an 'import permit' from the Bahamian govt. about $15.00 and takes about 20 day to get it.
You need the Veterinarian certificate of health for entry .... you go to a vet who will leave the cert. UNDATED (most understand and will do this ... but not 'all', use/offer your own pen to fill out the 'cert'. and fill in the date before you go to Bahamian customs.
Simple.

Once after your official entry, no one will ever ask to see the import permit or the vet certificate ... unless your dog gets into 'trouble' and then you 'BETTER HAVE' such handy. Dont take the risk.

We've frequently entered the Bahamas at West End or Green Turtle with our dog and his Bahamian import certificate from the Bahamias Dept. of Agriculture. We always have a late date on our forms and we have never had this questioned and we have never been asked to have our dog checked by a vet in the Bahamas. Take care and joy, Aythya crew

I have the $15.00 permit now. It arrived by fax. I think that I am going to go in somewhere other than Nassau. I will look for Green Turtle. I wonder if anyone has other suggestions as to where to come in.

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